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RIP Triple Rock

A sad farewell to a beloved venue.

Illustrator: Jade Mulcahy

It’s hard to believe, but the Triple Rock Social Club is closing its doors for good after November 22nd, according to a Facebook post from the venue. The sadness of this situation sunk in right away for bands, fans, and regular patrons, and many people reposted the original news, expressing their sadness about the venue closing. One of those people was Jack Carlson, the bassist from Wanderer, a local Minneapolis punk band.

“It’s the go to place,” he said. “Both for music and for hanging out with people. [I’m going to] miss seeing bands that probably shouldn’t be playing that small of a venue playing there.” There was no concrete reason cited to explain the Triple Rock closing, but Carlson speculates that it is either due to gentrification or the owners’ responsibilities to their families.

There are so many elements about the Triple Rock that make it stand out in comparison to other venues: “The atmosphere, vibe, and history of that place can’t be beat,” Carlson said. An 80s punk rock band called NOFX even wrote a song called “Seeing Double at the Triple Rock.” The song is about wanting to get snowed in at the Triple Rock to prolong drinking on a given winter night in Minneapolis. Another unique aspect of the Triple Rock is their dedication to local artists. The venue gives local artists top priority, even over nationally known artists, says Sylvia Jennings, who is an avid local music lover and concert photographer.

Wanderer recorded their latest EP, Gloom Daze, on stage at the Triple Rock. Carlson remarks that “recording our way and our style at our favorite venue on stage was great.” Carlson described the experience as comfortable, fun, and low pressure, which is everything a band could hope for in a recording process. Wanderer had their last performance at the Triple Rock on October 24th at 9pm.

The versatility of the venue is quite impressive. The Triple Rock is typically known as a punk venue, but you never know what you might get. Jennings reveled in her memory of seeing Car Seat Headrest two summers ago at the Triple Rock. She remembered there being a group of dads in the middle of the pit at the show.

The staff, bands, and concertgoers are what make the place what it is, not necessarily the building.

“Maybe those dads used to be punk rockers that went to the Triple Rock in 2002, who knows,” she proposed. She also mentioned how one night at the Triple Rock could be a total punk show and the next night could be dads just rockin’ out.

The staff, bands, and concertgoers are what make the place what it is, not necessarily the building: “The staff lets you do what you want to do, and they are very kind,” Jennings said. The Triple Rock will be remembered by the countless release shows, final farewell shows, national acts, and up-and-coming local bands.

There will be so much to miss when the Triple Rock is gone. Carlson and Jennings both mention that they’ll miss the atmosphere, history, and overall vibe of the Triple Rock. The closing of the Triple Rock is a somber time for us at the Wake too. We have hosted our birthday party at the Triple Rock since 2012, and we are sad to part from the kind people that we have worked with to coordinate our event. Finding another venue is not the main problem; what will prove difficult is finding a venue that is as inclusive, intimate, and bitchin’ as the Triple Rock.

Jennings suggests that everybody go to the venue one last time to see a show or check out the kick-ass food, while Carlson succinctly wrapped up his thoughts about the Triple Rock’s closing by saying, “The Triple Rock Social Club was integral to the Minneapolis music scene, whether you’re into punk, metal, or hardcore, or indie, or hip-hop or anything. The Triple Rock was always a place where people could express themselves and start community here in the Twin Cities. Everyone is going to miss the Triple Rock sorely. There won’t be another place like it.”